Serving as a hub for the maintenance/repairs of our operations, it comes as no suprise that the shop is integral to our ability to function smoothly. In 2023, our team created plans to build a new shop constructed next to asphalt Plant 6 that was larger and more centrally located. However, a vast amount of equipment storage was still being hosted at the former site as we awaited construction completion.
Flash forward to February 2024 with this new site completed, and our team was ready to move these remnants to their new home. The added challenge? Accomplishing this move in just 20 days. While that might sound relatively straightforward at first glance, picture an array of workbenches, fab shop equipment, plant supplies, gravel screens, and more… In short, this move would require heavy equipment and countless hands.
Led by Kelvin Wright, Field Engineer, the team tasked with this move went above and beyond, even finishing the move three days early. Colton Collins, CI Program Manager, shared, “This wasn’t even Kelvin’s [normal] job. Yet, he did it with a short timeline and they even got everything out three days early. He adapted, had a plan, and communicated well with his [team].” Jarod Riles, General Superintendent, and Preston Bryson, Superintendent, remarked, “Kelvin and the team didn’t shy away from the challenge, even with a short deadline. They executed and made it happen.”
Shannon Minga, TPR Coordinator, added, “Seriously, this was a huge group effort. We had members from [every one of our crews] there to help. I can’t count how many trailer loads they brought in. In addition, the group helped with organizing the supplies as much as possible. I think overall they did a pretty dang good job, especially with the amount of [turnaround] time we had.”
Colton closed by remarking, “If it wasn’t for the snowstorm our region experienced in January, the group would’ve knocked this out in just two weeks. There were a lot of positive attitudes. It wasn’t necessarily their job or even their equipment, but they still pitched in and helped out the Fab Shop team a lot.”
Bruce Cooper, Fab Shop Manager, mirrored that statement by adding, “Kelvin and the team were a big help. Whatever we needed help with, they got right on it.” Peco Martin, Trucking Manager, also spoke highly of the effort that the Lowboy Drivers made to lend a hand with the move. He said, “Bradford Kelley, Leslie Bone, Jeremy Bone, and Dennis Mason did a great job assisting with this. They were making three to four loads per day for about a month. They hit the ground running and got the job accomplished.”
What a picture of our core values and a way to give back to the Fab Shop after they support our operations day in and day out! As we settle in and enjoy our newly built shop at Plant 6, we will do so with the reminder of immense effort it took to get there. For that, we have our team to thank.
